DP faction leader acknowledges government failures, calls for coalition accountability, economic benefits for ordinary households and new strategies against increasingly innovative criminals
PHILIPSBURG — Democratic Party faction leader MP Viren Kotai has acknowledged that several affairs in Sint Maarten are not up to standard, warning the government that residents cannot survive on political discussions, promises and good intentions while struggling to pay for food, electricity, housing and other necessities.
Kotai delivered the unusually candid assessment during the closing meeting of the 2025-2026 parliamentary year on Monday, September 7.
Although the Democratic Party is a member of the governing coalition, Kotai said coalition membership does not remove Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to question ministers, scrutinize government actions, and demand improvements.
“Not all affairs in country Sint Maarten are up to par,” Kotai said. “There are areas where our people rightfully expect more from us.”
He said government processes must improve, public institutions must be strengthened, and several outstanding matters require greater urgency, transparency, accountability and follow-through.
Coalition Support does not mean silence
Kotai said the DP recognizes its responsibility to contribute to the country's stability and progress and to support initiatives that move Sint Maarten forward.
However, he rejected the suggestion that coalition MPs must remain silent when government performance falls short.
“Being part of a governing coalition does not remove our responsibility as Members of Parliament,” he stated. “We must ask questions. We must scrutinize. We must hold government accountable.”
Kotai said coalition members must be prepared to speak out when matters could be handled better.
He argued that supporting the government while holding it accountable is not a contradiction, but a fundamental responsibility of Parliament.
“We can commend a minister and still ask for more. We can support our government and still hold it accountable. We can celebrate progress and still recognize that our destination has not yet been reached,” he said.
Residents need relief, not more discussions
Kotai recognized what he described as efforts by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina to work across party lines to secure relief for the people of Sint Maarten.
He commended that approach but warned that discussions must now be transformed into meaningful assistance reaching households.
“Our people cannot live on discussions alone,” Kotai declared. “They cannot pay their bills with promises. They cannot take good intentions to the supermarket.”
The DP faction leader said the country's needs must sometimes rise above political colors. Whatever form the promised relief eventually takes, he said, it must be responsible, meaningful and accessible to the residents who need it most.
The statement places renewed pressure on the coalition government to show how its policies will reduce the daily financial burden confronting households.
For many residents, talk of economic recovery and increasing visitor arrivals has not resulted in cheaper groceries, lower electricity bills, affordable housing or higher disposable income.
Tourism Numbers Must Reach Ordinary Households
Kotai commended the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication for contributing to an influx of visitors. He said Sint Maarten’s tourism industry is performing so strongly that the island sometimes appears to have no off-season.
However, the MP warned that visitor numbers alone cannot be the final measure of economic success.
“Now comes the serious question: How do we ensure that this success trickles down to our people?” Kotai asked.
“Our people must feel the economy working for them.”
The DP leader said economic growth must reach ordinary households instead of remaining concentrated among a limited section of the business community.
He outlined his vision of a Sint Maarten where economic progress benefits families, opportunities are not reserved for a select few and young people can see a future for themselves at home.
Kotai’s remarks highlight a longstanding problem in Sint Maarten: record visitor numbers and strong tourism activity do not automatically translate into better wages, lower living costs or improved financial security for workers.
2027 Budget Must Include New Revenue
Kotai also commended Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs for working toward presenting the 2027 national budget on time.
He said timely budgeting is essential for proper financial planning, good governance, and Parliament and the government's ability to execute their responsibilities.
However, the MP warned that the upcoming budget must do more than list financial limitations.
“As we examine that budget, I hope we also see more ideas for generating sustainable revenue,” Kotai said. “Our conversation cannot continuously be about what we cannot afford.”
His statement suggests that the DP faction expects the government to present concrete proposals to expand the country’s income rather than relying solely on spending cuts, delayed projects, or claims that funding is unavailable.
Criminals are changing their methods
Kotai also warned that Sint Maarten’s response to crime must evolve as criminals become increasingly innovative.
He said justice workers and law-enforcement officers confront the realities of crime and public safety every day, while criminal methods continue to change.
“We cannot continuously fight today’s problems with yesterday’s solutions,” Kotai warned.
His statement comes as public concern continues to grow over armed robberies, violent crime and criminals exploiting scooters, vehicles and waterways to escape law enforcement.
The MP’s message was clear: police and other justice agencies must have modern resources, technology, intelligence and strategies to respond to changing threats.
Transparency Must Be Responsible
While insisting on accountability, Kotai also cautioned parliamentarians against releasing incomplete information or making public statements before all the facts are known.
“Our words carry weight,” he said.
Kotai argued that transparency must be accompanied by responsibility. He said there is a difference between holding institutions accountable and unnecessarily undermining them, just as there is a difference between keeping the public informed and creating uncertainty without sufficient facts.
He urged MPs not to avoid difficult conversations, but said those discussions must be factual, respectful and accompanied by proposed solutions.
Government Must Change Course When Necessary
Kotai acknowledged that Sint Maarten’s governments have faced hurricanes, economic hardship, political instability and international crises beyond their control.
He said setbacks and unexpected challenges are part of governing a small and vulnerable country. Nevertheless, obstacles cannot become permanent excuses for inaction.
“St. Maarten does not need perfection. St. Maarten needs consistency. It needs accountability. It needs innovation. It needs cooperation,” Kotai declared.
He called on the Council of Ministers to continue where progress has been made, improve where shortcomings exist, and have the courage to change direction when policies are not working.
“When something does not go according to plan, we do not simply throw up our hands and say it cannot be done,” Kotai said. “We adjust. We regroup. And we find another way.”
Kotai closed by reminding the public that DP parliamentarians are part of the coalition but must place the country above party loyalty, coalition interests, and personal political considerations.
“Above party, above coalition and above individual political interests must always stand the country of St Maarten,” he concluded.